Liverpool manager Rodgers offers message of support to Rotherham United boss Evans

ROTHERHAM UNITED manager Steve Evans has revealed that his Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers relaid a message of support following the Millers’ recent last-gasp derby defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Leading 2-1 with only a few minutes left of their South Yorkshire derby with the Owls, two late goals denied the Millers a first home league win over their rivals since 1976 and more importantly three massive points which would have put them on the cusp of Championship safety.

Rotherham boss Steve Evans.

Evans, whose fourth-from-bottom side are five points above Wigan, ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Birmingham, said: “The first few days were particularly tough. I went off on my Pro Licence on that evening and it was a long drive north of the border for four or five hours after that.

“But after a few days, you have to learn from it and go back and break down what went wrong and nothing will change in football if you have individual errors and lapses in concentration.

“It was a hard one to take against Sheffield Wednesday, who deserved nothing and went away with the spoils.

“You do a lot of thinking and get a lot of phone calls and texts from people who care about you.

“Some good people got in touch and I spent about an hour and half on the phone with my chairman, who shows his colours every week.

“I got a call and messages also from Brendan Rodgers and the content will remain private, but it was invigorating.”

Evans says that Frazer Richardson will miss tomorrow’s clash at St Andrews and Danny Ward is a doubt, but should be fine for Monday’s clash with Brighton.

Daniel Lafferty has returned from international duty with Northern Ireland and is available, but Kari Arnason - who has been on duty with Iceland - is suspended.

Farrend Rawson’s loan expires this weekend and Evans says they will discuss a possible extension, while being mindful that he can only use five loanees in a matchday squad.

Danny Rowe has returned from a loan spell at Wycombe and will be assessed by staff, with the young defender out of contract in the summer and seeking fresh terms.

Contract talks have still not taken place with players whose deals expire in June, other than Ben Pringle, with brief discussions having been staged, Evans confirmed.